Here is a picture of James Armstrong, who fought in Company C of the 72nd Regiment Indiana Infantry (Mounted), part of John T. Wilder's "Lightning" Brigade. This was likely taken in or after 1863, during the American Civil War/War Between the States. Wilder's Brigade were mounted infantry, meaning that they rode horses but were intended to fight on foot, unlike cavalry. They carried seven-shot Spencer repeating rifles as in the photo, which gave them a huge advantage over Confederates armed with single-shot muskets. The Wilder Brigade fought, among many sharp skirkishes, at the September 1863 battle of Chickamauga, Geo., May 1864 Resaca, Geo., 1863 Hoover's Gap Tenn., and POSSIBLY Selma Ala., and Kennesaw Geo., in 1865 and 1864 respectively. For more info, try the book "Blue Lightning", by Richard Baumgartner(Blue Acorn Press). also try "Indiana Adjutant General" under "Texts" on this site. This is the state report on soldiers in Indiana units in the war. If you liked this article, or know anything about Armstrong or his friend William Relph, please take the time and leave me a review. Also check out "History of the 72d Indiana volunteer infantry of the mounted lightning brigade" on this archive for a wonderful memoir!
Reviewer:
charlene50
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January 3, 2015
Subject:
Armstrong Photo
Is this photo for sale? If not, would it be possible to get a copy, other than copying it from the internet?
Reviewer:
CINCPOA
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January 25, 2013
Subject:
Armstrong Photo
Terrific photos. And it is indeed a Spencer, and has a cavalry ring included. Interesting.
Reviewer:
107thNewYork
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September 7, 2011
Subject:
Reply
Thank you to David for leaving feedback! Yes although the Spencer was their primary weapon the Wilder brigade experimented with Henry rifles as well. I have even heard they experimented to some extent with Colt Revolving Rifles! Although my picture is not very clear Mr. Armstrong is quite certainly carrying a Spencer. I would not expect many to know the unit had some Henrys! Do you have an interest in Wilder's Brigade?
Reviewer:
David Paul Davenport
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September 7, 2011
Subject:
weapon
Although the rank and file of Wilder's brigade were equipped with Spencer Rifles, the scouts had Henry Rifles. I could be wrong, but it appears to me that the weapon shown here with Private James M. Armstrong is a Henry, not a Spencer.